Author Question: Which side effect from an anticholinergic agent such as atropine is unexpected? 1. Dry mouth 2. ... (Read 58 times)

cmoore54 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

Which side effect from an anticholinergic agent such as atropine is unexpected?

1. Dry mouth
2. Diarrhea
3. Urinary retention
4. Dilated pupils

Question 2

A client has received a dose of atropine to counteract the effects of a cholinergic medication prior to having surgery.

On the way to the operating room (OR), the client complains of a sudden feeling of warmth. The client's skin is flushed, warm, and dry. Which nursing action is the most appropriate?
1. Assessing the vital signs and advising the OR that surgery must be delayed for 1 hour.
2. Assessing the client's mental status and vital signs. If normal, document finding and proceed to operating room.
3. Notifying the surgeon of the client's vital signs.
4. Explaining the side effects of atropine to the client.

ttt030911 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Anticholinergic agents could cause dry mouth as a sympathetic nervous system effect.
Rationale 2: Diarrhea is not a side effect of anticholinergic agents.
Rationale 3: Anticholinergic agents could cause urinary retention as a sympathetic nervous system effect.
Rationale 4: Anticholinergic agents could cause dilated pupils as a sympathetic nervous system effect.
Global Rationale: Diarrhea is not a side effect of anticholinergic agents. Anticholinergic agents could cause dry mouth, urinary retention, and pupil dilation as a sympathetic nervous system effect.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Delaying the surgery would be inappropriate given the timing and half-life of atropine.
Rationale 2: Assess the client's mental status and vital signs. If normal, document the finding and proceed to operating room and report the finding to the surgeon and anesthesiologist.
Rationale 3: Notifying the surgeon of the client's vital signs would only be necessary if the client's vital signs were abnormal. The symptoms described are common for the medication given.
Rationale 4: Explaining the side effects of atropine to the client is appropriate, but not the most appropriate, as documentation of the vital signs would be more critical.
Global Rationale: Assess the client's mental status and vital signs. If normal, document the finding and proceed to operating room and report the finding to the surgeon and anesthesiologist. Delaying the surgery would be inappropriate given the timing and half-life of atropine. Notifying the surgeon of the client's vital signs would only be necessary if the client's vital signs were abnormal. The symptoms described are common for the medication given. Explaining the side effects of atropine to the client is appropriate, but not the most appropriate, as documentation of the vital signs would be more critical.